When will the San Francisco 49ers’ QB Brock Purdy return from injury?

As much as he appears positive, it’s clear that the young QB isn’t ready to return after his break-out season was derailed by injury. “It’s going well,” Purdy said of his recovery recently. “Just taking it one day at a time. Just trying to heal up and feel a little bit better every single day, and it’s all gone as planned. Obviously, we’re in great communication with the doctors that I’m working with, the Niners, the organization as a whole, everyone’s on the same page and we’re excited for how it’s going. So just taking it one day at a time.”

49ers’ Brock Purdy could miss next season entirely

You will recall that 49ers third-string rookie QB, Brock Purdy stepped in last season after both starter Trey Lance and backup Jimmy Garoppolo were sidelined by injury. Fans quickly learned that the young signal caller was more than capable of stepping up to the challenge, but then tragedy struck. During San Francisco’s NFC title game against eventual Super Bowl winner Philadelphia Eagles, Purdy went down with an injury to the UCL in his throwing arm. What followed was a complex operation to repair the damage and then a large brace that was an obligation for his recovery. Now, some months later and it appears that Purdy is still not fully recovered.

“When you first get in it after surgery, you’re in it at 90 degrees. From there, you can start opening it up to help with your range of motion,” Purdy said of the brace in late March. “It is just to keep your arm safe when you’re out walking around or doing therapy. But at night, I can take it off and just do some normal motions with just looking at my arm.” Though reports indicate that he is no longer wearing the brace, the also state that his road to return is going to be a lengthy one. To that end, both franchise GM John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan admitted that they were unsure as to when Purdy would return to the field.

What was said about Brock Purdy’s return?

Speaking on the situation, Lynch said he was hopeful that Purdy would be ready in time for training camp, however, he also disclosed that the team would be formulating a plan in the event that the 23-year-old couldn’t.

“We’ll see how everything goes. We’re going to do what’s right for Brock, because that’s right for our organization,” Lynch said. “You know, be aggressive with what we do but also be really smart. We’re insulated with other guys we have a lot of belief in, so if Brock’s not ready, we’ll hold down the fort until he is.” If it comes to pass that Purdy can’t recover before training camp or the upcoming season, then the team will have no choice but to depend on the above-mentioned Trey Lance as well as recently acquired Sam Darnold.

Kyle Shanahan weighs in on Brock Purdy

Aside from Lynch, there was also the team’s head coach who gave comment on Purdy’s situation. Kyle Shanahan admitted that he remains unsure as to when Purdy will return and moreover what his condition will be if/when he does.

“I don’t know how Brock’s going to come back,” Shanahan said back on March 28th. “I don’t know exactly when he’s going to come back. So, I don’t have an exact answer for that. But right now, because he is hurt, it’s nice to focus on Trey, it’s nice to focus on [Sam Darnold] and see how they do at OTAs and -- most likely -- see how they’re playing leading into training camp because I think it will take some time for Brock.” Ultimately, the 49ers appear to be adopting a cautious approach where Purdy’s health is concerned, which to be honest makes perfect sense given the severe nature of what happened. At any rate, it seems to be clear that he’s still got some distance to go in terms of recovery, but both he and the team will be hoping that journey ends before the season arrives. Watch this space.